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About Minimalist

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Our project has taken a little twist during the long MLK weekend, so I now join the group interested in interchangeable parts for the new second generation 2014+ Ford Transit Connect! We have not dropped consideration of the first generation 2010-13 TC but added a very appealing embrace of the new unit, which can be ordered in many configurations.

I would also like a more detailed discussion on which parts transfer directly from other vehicles (such as the Focus).
I would like to upgrade the seats, and heated would be great! There are other items like steering wheel, suspension components, even the engine and automatic transmission.
I'm told that the second generation Ford Focus (2004-2011) can be a donation source for big things like engine and gearbox. What about 5x108 wheels? Other parts?

Not really the proper location under heated seats, but which parts transfer directly from other vehicles (such as the Focus)? I would like to upgrade the seats, and heated would be great! There are other items like steering wheel, suspension components, even the engine and automatic transmission.
I'm told that the second generation Ford Focus (2004-2011) can be a donation source for big things like engine and gearbox. What about 5x108 wheels? Other parts?

Living north of Seattle in Snohomish County, we face a changed work situation that will give time to take driving trips across the country. Rather than a fly/rent approach we are excited to do it on four wheels in a minimalist package.
So I am looking for a 1st gen Ford Transit Connect XLT (300A, 310A, 510A, or 520A) in white or silver to adopt/adapt as our "home" along the way. Late-2012 or 2013 is preferred but will consider others. The attractions are slightly better headroom, the stealth and innocent look for my wife's enjoyment, and the very compact packaging. I'm not afraid of high miles but would prefer not to start with a roughed-up 170,000 mile fleet vehicle, and good ones are out there.
Your help, suggestions, hints, pointers, cautions, arguments, resources for a simple workable conversation, and offers to sell are all welcome!
I am semi-retired, still involved with a small consulting business, and enjoying recreational pursuits like kayaking, hiking and instructing HPDE track days for Audi and Porsche. These activities can follow us around the country as we explore communities and landscapes more thoroughly than was possible on short family vacations at a younger age.
Off topic, I've had some involvement with Ford during the Alan Mulally years in addition to being a shareholder. I remain very loyal to my '08 Ford Ranger FX4 that has served valiantly, so I feel comfortable with the brand, the drivetrains, and the fuel economy and reliability expectations for a late-VIN Transit Connect.

I did not say Thanks at the time this was replied, sorry! Agree on the heater pad availability.
That proprietary approach is a surprise actually. With the parts bins as large as Ford has, I would have expected several choices from other models or years to just pop in.

This raises questions about finding other Ford seats that will easily retrofit to the 2010-13 Ford Transit Connect. Many of the parts are shared from the Ford Focus; does carry over to the seats too? What seats can be bolted in to the TC?
Has anyone tried the Taxi option black vinyl seats that were available for the 2012 and 2013 Ford Transit Connect?
~Minimalist

Let's create a resource that will respond to searches about BenFirst's original question.
The Ford Truck Body Builder Advisory Service URL includes a wealth of information on each of the commercial vehicles, by model year. You can find the Body Builders Layout Book (referenced just above by 103west43rd, as well as Model Year differences (helpful!) under Publications > What's New, and many other resource documents.
<https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/>
Specifications, measurements, dimensions, Manuals, Warranty, applications, towing, Incomplete Vehicle Manual, and Bulletins.
~Minimalist